Writing utensil with active nerve stimulation

ABSTRACT

A writing utensil for providing active nerve stimulation to the fingertips of a user. The writing utensil has a body portion, a tip portion with a marking tip, and an active stimulator with active stimulation surfaces retained adjacent to the distal end of the body portion to be engaged by the fingertips of the user. The active stimulator has an active state where active stimulation is provided to the fingertips of the user and an inactive state where active stimulation is not provided. The active stimulator can comprise mechanical movement mechanisms where nodules, such as rotatable cam nodules with eccentric portions, periodically extend in relation to the active stimulation surfaces. Additionally or alternatively, the active stimulator can comprise electrical pulse mechanisms for imparting electrical impulses to fingers disposed in contact therewith. Active nerve stimulation can be provided simultaneously, in series, or in some other pattern.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.13/908,692, filed Jun. 3, 2013, which claimed priority to ProvisionalApplication No. 61/654,681, filed Jun. 1, 2012, both of which beingincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to writing utensils and thestimulation of human nerves. More particularly, disclosed and protectedherein is a writing utensil with means for actively stimulating thenerves in human fingers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Repetitive manipulation of the thumb and fingers in the handwritingprocess helps prime and activate the left brain. The left brain managesexecutive functions, such as planning, monitoring, organizing, revisingand attending—skills critical to educational achievement and selfmanagement. All forms of writing increase left brain dominance over theright. Being the most abstract, the alphabet enhances the left brainvalues most.

As an intentional movement, handwriting's impulses are the essence ofthe emotional life force. Handwriting has been characterized as“brainwriting,” akin to a legible EEG. Writing by hand is the most basicof the ‘three Rs,’ and it is the unrecognized foundation for developingthe others: reading and arithmetic. The ability to regulate one'shandwriting reveals that a person has learned to harness his or heremotional energy flow and that impulse control has been achieved. As theprocess integrates the specialized powers of the brain hemispheres, itenables a person to direct emotional energy so that being functionallyproductive or goal directed is possible.

The median nerve runs through the carpal tunnel of the wrist and, apartfrom the little finger, connects with the thumb and all fingers of thehand. As such, the median nerve serves as a peripheral gateway to thecentral nervous system. This is reflected in the fact that the sensorydistribution of the hand has a large cortical representation in thebrain. Median nerve stimulation has been found to activate the entirecentral nervous system.

It is believed that this peripheral stimulus is responsible forreleasing hormones and neurotransmitters. Hormones and neurotransmittersthat could be released include Norepinephrine, Acetylcholine, andDopamine. Norepinephrine has been found to contribute to alertness andarousal, and reward, to play a large role in attention and focus, and toincrease the alteration detection rate. Acetylcholine enhances sensoryperceptions and attentiveness while slowing the heart rate whenfunctioning. It can play a role in decision-making, and it can relax andcalm while exciting and arousing through a sense of reward. In thisregard, it will be noted that chronic stress causes a chemical changethat shuts down learning and undermines the brain's ability to lockinformation into memory. Finally, Dopamine has been determined to beresponsible for reward-driven learning.

Humans are born with a natural flow of energy, but stress and otheremotions clog and disrupt the flow. Accordingly, the present inventorhas appreciated that preventing such clogging and disruption,particularly during the crucial stages of early learning and braindevelopment, would be highly advantageous.

It will again be noted that handwriting and the static nerve stimulationderived therefrom tend to benefit the brain. However, the presentinventor has theorized that simultaneous pressure on all three mediannerves of the gripping fingers restricts flow and brain development andusage. This incorrect, static pressure causes what can be referred to asmuscular armoring. Humans adapt to muscular armoring while learning towrite, and it stays with us.

In this regard, one will note the six meridians in the human hand. Eachfinger plays a key role, and their character needs have to beconsidered:

-   -   Thumb (Lung Meridian: Metal-energy yin (−) organ;    -   Pointer Finger (Large Intestine: Metal-energy yang (+) organ;    -   Middle Finger (Pericardium: Fire-energy yin (−) organ;    -   Ring Finger (Triple Burner: Fire-energy yang (+) organ;    -   Little Finger (Heart Meridian: Fire-energy yin (−) organ; and    -   Little Finger (Small intestine: Fire-energy yang (+) organ.

Considering these six meridians in the hand and their characteristics,including psycho-emotional aspects, it can be argued reasonably thatthose meridians control our emotions. Many seek through sundry methodsand for various purposes to achieve a pure state of mind, referred to asMushin or “without mind” in Japanese. For example, very highly trainedmartial artists are said to enter the Mushin mental state during combat.The ability to facilitate mental purity and brain development andfunction, particularly in the young, would be highly advantageous.

The inventor has further recognized that the history of human braindevelopment has had three distinct phases: the reptilian brain, thelimbic or mammal brain, and the neocortical or human brain. It wouldrepresent a marked advance to all humankind if an invention weredisclosed that could take the brain, even if not structurally butfunctionally, to another phase. If that is achieved, it will further beshown that we are not enjoying the full function and benefit of ourbodies as they were intended and designed. The use of the hand andenergy flowing at will in and out of the hand will not only bring ourminds to a different level but would also bring us as creatures to adifferent level. The brain, the body, and the Universe can be calm,relaxed, focused, and emotionally balanced.

With this admittedly ambitious path laid out, it will be recognized asfurther foundation that the human body is composed of cell masses thatare logically organized into various tissue in four general classes:muscle, nerve, epithelial, and connective tissue. In turn, the varioustissue types are organized into organs, which operate as systems. Eachsystem, such as the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary,musculoskeletal, immune, nervous, endocrine, reproductive, andintebumentary systems, has a clearly defined function.

The nervous system, for example, regulates and coordinates manyactivities in the body. It detects changes in the internal and externalenvironments and relates to states of consciousness, learning, andcognition. In addition to its physiological function, namely thetransmission of nerve impulses, the nervous system serves to distributeenergy to the body tissues and organs. The nervous system is also anenergetic system. However, the tips of our fingers can be considered tohave the least amount of this energy flow, particularly in view ofmuscular armoring.

Living organisms emit vibrations at a frequency of 300 to 2,000nanometers. This energy is called biofield or bioplasma. This energy isstronger when people are more successful at transferring or projectingthe bioenergy. Muscular armoring is an intrinsic part of neuroticadaptation with reduced vitality, reduced sensation & feeling, and areduction in the flow of emotion and other important functions. Releaseof this muscular armoring brings about pulsatory movement and astreaming sensation, which subjectively are experienced as a flow ofenergy and objectively are concomitant with such things as increasedemotional release, warmth, vitality, and liveliness of tissue. When ournervous system tissue is readily available to energy flow, we experienceourselves as more connected to and able to truly occupy our physicalbeing.

It would be advantageous, therefore, to create a palpable sense of flow,connection, awareness, and warmth and to intensify the frequency of theelectromagnetic fields from our hands. Similarly advantageous would beto create a more open flow, one that flows intensely and naturally byclearing and opening the nerves for better energy flow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With a knowledge of the foregoing, the present inventor set forth with abasic object of providing a utensil that promotes the flow of energy,hormones, and neurotransmitters in the human body through activestimulation of nerves in the human hand.

A related object of the invention is to provide a utensil that tends toprevent the clogging and disruption of the flow of such hormones andneurotransmitters, particularly during the crucial stages of earlylearning and brain development.

A further object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a utensilwith active nerve stimulation that amplifies such flow and renders itmore natural.

A resultant object of the invention is to provide a utensil with nervestimulation that can operate to make users more focused, calm andmentally, emotionally and physically balanced.

Still another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide autensil that actively stimulates the median nerve and the hand ingeneral with consideration to the six meridians in the hand and theirrelation to each other and the rest of the parts of the body.

A broader object of the invention is to provide a utensil with nervestimulation that is capable of taking the brain to a further phase ofdevelopment and, in so doing, to permit users to realize the fullfunction and benefit of our bodies as they were intended and designed.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a utensil that cancreate a palpable sense of flow, connection, awareness, and warmth andthat tends to intensify the frequency of the electromagnetic fields fromour hands.

In carrying forth the aforementioned objects, an embodiment of thewriting utensil with active nerve stimulation disclosed herein providesactive stimulation to the fingertips of a user by use of a body portionwith a proximal end and a distal end, a tip portion coupled to thedistal end of the body portion wherein the tip portion has means forretaining a marking tip, and an active stimulator. The active stimulatorhas at least one active stimulation surface disposed adjacent to thedistal end of the body portion to be engaged by the tips of the fingersof the user. The active stimulator has an active state where activestimulation is provided to the fingertips of the user in contact withthe active stimulation surface and an inactive state where activestimulation is not provided to the fingertips of the user in contactwith the active stimulation surface.

In certain practices of the invention, the writing utensil can havefirst, second, and third active stimulation surfaces, each stimulationsurface for engaging a fingertip of the user. Each active stimulationsurface can have a concave curvature or an anticlastic curvature forreceiving and engaging the fingertips of the user.

Under certain embodiments, the active stimulator has at least onemechanical movement mechanism with an inactive state and an active statewhere cyclical mechanical movement is exhibited in relation to theactive stimulation surface. Where first, second, and third activestimulation surfaces are provided, each stimulation surface can engage afingertip of the user and the mechanical movement mechanism can producesa periodic, potentially in a sequential or other pattern, extensionrelative to the active stimulation surfaces when the active stimulatoris in an active state. By way of example, the mechanical movementmechanism can have at least one nodule and means for cyclically causingat least a portion of the nodule to extend periodically relative to theactive stimulation surface. The nodule can be a cam nodule with aneccentric portion, and the means for cyclically causing at least aportion of the nodule to extend periodically relative to the activestimulation surface can be a means for rotating the cam nodule. In suchembodiments, the active stimulator can further comprise a motor and apower source for the motor. Still further, a resilient sheet can overliethe can nodules for being interposed between the fingertips of the userand the cam nodules.

In other embodiments, the mechanical movement mechanism can comprise amotor, a power source for the motor, an inner sleeve, a stimulationmember with at least one follower wherein the stimulation member isretained to rotate relative to the inner sleeve, a guide sleeveconcentrically disposed with the inner sleeve, and guide channels in theguide sleeve for receiving the follower of the stimulation member. Undersuch constructions, rotation of the inner sleeve will cause thestimulation member to travel circumferentially in relation to the guidesleeve and the writing utensil.

In alternative manifestations of the invention, the active stimulatorcan comprise an electrical pulse system. The active stimulator can havefirst, second, and third different active stimulation surfaces, eachstimulation surface for engaging a fingertip of the user. The first,second, and third active stimulation surfaces can generally form atriangle in lateral cross section with the first, second, and thirdactive stimulation surfaces spaced around a peripheral surface of thebody portion adjacent to the distal end of the body portion. Theelectrical pulse system can have an electrical circuit with an activestate wherein electrical impulses are imparted to a finger disposed incontact with at least one of the active stimulation surfaces. A powersource, such as one or more batteries, can provide electrical power tothe electrical pulse system.

Each active stimulation surface could again have a concave curvature forreceiving and engaging a fingertip of the user. In particularembodiments, each active stimulation surface can have an anticlasticcurvature for receiving and engaging a fingertip of the user.

As taught herein, the active stimulator can be operable to actuate theelectrical pulse system to produce electrical pulses in relation to eachof the first, second, and third active stimulation surfaces, just firstand second active stimulation surfaces, or, potentially, just one activestimulation surface. Where electrical pulses are provided to pluralsurfaces, the active stimulator can actuate the electrical pulse systemto produce electrical pulses in relation to the surfaces in a pattern,such as a sequential pattern.

Under certain practices of the invention, the electrical pulse systemcan comprise a positive and negative electrode pair disposed in spacedrelation on the active stimulation surfaces, such as on a single activestimulation surface or separate active stimulation surfaces. Theelectrical circuit could be induced to a closed condition when a usersimultaneously contacts the positive and negative electrode pair toconnect the positive and negative electrode pair electrically. Theelectrical circuit can also have an open condition when the positive andnegative electrode pair are not connected electrically. Accordingly, thepositive and negative electrode pair can have a positive electrode and anegative electrode disposed on one of or each of multiple electricalstimulation surfaces. It is also possible to have a positive electrodedisposed on the first active stimulation surface and a negativeelectrode disposed on the second active stimulation surface so thatsimultaneous contact of a finger or fingers with the first and secondactive stimulation surfaces will tend to close the electrical circuit.It is further possible to include an electrically transmissive, waterresistant sheet overlying the positive and negative electrode pair forbeing interposed between the fingertip of the user and the positive andnegative electrode pair.

The active state can be triggered by a control mechanism. Additionallyor alternatively, the active state can be triggered automatically bycontact of one or more fingers of the user with the at least one of theactive stimulation surfaces.

Where electrical impulses are imparted to fingers disposed in contactwith at least the first and second active stimulation surfaces, it ispossible that the electrical impulses imparted to fingers disposed incontact with at least the first and second active stimulation surfacescan be different, such as by differing in frequency. Moreover, withinthe scope of the invention, a control mechanism can be provided forcontrolling one or more electrical characteristics of the electricalpulses, such as the amplitude, frequency, or some other characteristicof the electrical pulses.

One will appreciate that the foregoing broadly outlines certain goalsand embodiments of the invention to enable a better understanding of thedetailed description that follows and to instill a better appreciationof the inventor's contribution to the art. These and in all likelihoodfurther objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeobvious not only to one who reviews the present specification anddrawings but also to those who have an opportunity to make use of anembodiment of the handwriting utensil disclosed herein. However, it willbe appreciated that, although the accomplishment of each of theforegoing objects in a single embodiment of the invention may bepossible and indeed preferred, not all embodiments will seek or need toaccomplish each and every potential advantage and function. Nonetheless,all such embodiments should be considered within the scope of thepresent invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawing figures:

FIG. 1 is a view in side elevation of a writing utensil with activenerve stimulation pursuant to the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the writing utensil withactive nerve stimulation of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view in side elevation of the active nerve stimulationportion of the writing utensil of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the active nerve stimulation portion ofthe writing utensil of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a partially sectioned perspective view the writing utensilwith active nerve stimulation being gripped by a human hand;

FIG. 6 is a partially sectioned view in side elevation of the activenerve stimulation portion of the writing utensil with a human fingerapplied for active nerve stimulation;

FIG. 7 is a view in side elevation of an alternative writing utensilwith active nerve stimulation pursuant to the invention;

FIG. 8 is a partially exploded perspective view of the writing utensilwith active nerve stimulation of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the motorization andstimulation portions of the writing utensil with active nervestimulation of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a stimulation portion of the writingutensil with active nerve stimulation of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a view in side elevation of a further embodiment of thewriting utensil with active nerve stimulation disclosed herein;

FIG. 12 is a view in side elevation of the stimulation and tip portionsof the writing utensil with active nerve stimulation of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 is an electrical schematic for the writing utensil with activenerve stimulation of FIGS. 11 and 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It will be appreciated that the writing utensil disclosed herein issubject to varied embodiments. However, to ensure that one skilled inthe art will be able to understand and, in appropriate cases, practicethe present invention, certain preferred embodiments of the broaderinvention revealed herein are described below and shown in theaccompanying drawing figures.

Before any particular embodiment of the invention is explained indetail, it must be made clear that the following details andillustrations of inventive concepts are mere examples of the manypossible manifestations of the invention. It will be further appreciatedthat, while the present discussion of the invention may relate tocertain types of writing implements to provide examples of possibleexploitations of the invention, the writing utensil disclosed herein isnot so limited and may be readily applied to other writing utensils andpotentially other utensils except as it might be expressly limited.

In carrying forth the foregoing objects, an embodiment of a writingutensil with active nerve stimulation pursuant to the present inventionis indicated generally at 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2. There, the writingutensil 10 has a body portion formed by a central tubular body member12, a proximal tubular body member 20, and a distally disposed activenerve stimulation portion 14. Each of the tubular members 12 and 20 maypursue a contoured configuration, and no limitation as to the shape orconstruction of the members 12 and 20 should be interpreted or appliedby the use of the term tubular except as the claims might expresslyrequire.

The central tubular body member 12 is coupled to the proximal tubularbody member 20 with an O-ring 28 interposed therebetween, and thecentral tubular body member 12 is coupled to the active nervestimulation portion 14 with an O-ring 26 interposed therebetween. Thetubular body members 12 and 20, the O-rings 26 and 28, and the activenerve stimulating portion 14 can be coupled in any effective way, suchas by threaded engagement, by snap-fit engagement, by adhesive, by sonicwelding, by unitary formation, or any other method or combinationthereof.

A replaceable eraser 22 is retained at the proximal end of the tubularbody member 20 with a pocket clip 24 retained by having a ring portionthereof interposed between the replaceable eraser 22 and the tubularbody member 20. A conical tip portion 16, which could be magnetized toprovide further physiological benefit and impact, is retained at thedistal end of the active nerve stimulating portion 14 by a mutualthreaded engagement between a coupling member 32 and the nervestimulating portion 14 to the proximal end thereof and the tip portion16 to the distal end thereof. Finally, a marking tip, which in thisembodiment comprises a pencil lead 18, can be retained to extend andretract relative to the tip portion 16 and the writing utensil 10 ingeneral.

While the present embodiment is depicted as a mechanical pencil, it willagain be noted that, as between ink, pencil, or other marking tip, thetype of writing utensil 10 is of little consequence. The writing utensil10 could readily comprise an ink pen, a marker, a paint brush, or anyother type of writing or other handheld utensil 10. The pencil lead 18,the ink cartridge, or any of the other aspects of the writing utensil 10can otherwise be standard.

By combined reference to FIGS. 1 through 5, the active stimulationportion 14 is disposed to be engaged by the tips of the user's pointerfinger 102, middle finger 104, and thumb 106 in a proper utensil grip.To facilitate and promote proper gripping, the active stimulationportion 14 in this embodiment has first, second, and third evenly spacedstimulation surfaces 34, but the invention need not be so limited. Eachstimulation surface 34 presents an ergonomic surface with a concave oranticlastic curvature for affirmatively receiving and engaging theuser's fingers 102, 104, and 106. As such, the portion of the activestimulation portion 14 local to the stimulation surfaces 34 pursues anapproximately triangular cross-section.

The active stimulation portion 14 has a system for producing an activestimulation of the tips of one or more of the fingers 102, 104, and 106of the user. The system for producing active stimulation could varywidely within the scope of the invention. For example, as describedbelow, embodiments of the invention are contemplated where electricalpulses, potentially high voltage but safe electrical pulses, could beemitted from one, two, or each of the stimulation surfaces 34 or thestimulation portion 14 in general to produce nerve stimulation byelectrical impulse. Alternatively, nerve stimulation could be carriedout by mechanical movement as is also described herein. Still further,mechanical movement could be employed in combination with electricalpulses. These and further systems for producing active stimulationshould be considered within the scope of the present invention except asit might be expressly limited by the claims. In each instance, theactive stimulation portion 14 can have an inactive state wherestimulation is not provided and an active state where stimulation isprovided.

In the depicted embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 10, the system forproducing nerve stimulation comprises a system for producing activenerve stimulation through mechanical movement relative to each of thestimulation surfaces 34 to produce active nerve stimulation throughacupressure on the tips of each of the gripping fingers 102, 104, and106. Mechanical movement and mechanical movement to produce stimulationthrough acupressure could be accomplished in nearly innumerable wayswithin the scope of the invention.

In the present embodiment, as best seen perhaps in FIGS. 3 through 6,stimulation of the tips of the user's fingers 102, 104, and 106 isachieved by mechanical movement mechanisms associated with each of thethree stimulation surfaces 34. The mechanical movement mechanisms inthis embodiment produce periodic projections from the three stimulationsurfaces 34.

To produce such periodic projections in the present example, eachmechanical movement mechanism has a nodule 36 that is retained forextension and retraction, rotation, or other cyclic or other movement toproduce periodic projections from the three stimulation surfaces 34.Here, the nodules 36 comprise cam nodules 36, and each cam nodule 36 isretained by a support axle 38. Each cam nodule 36 can be round orirregularly shaped. Alternatively or additionally, the nodules 36 canhave off-center axes of rotation to produce cyclic movement whenrotated. The nodules 36 can be formed from any suitable material, suchas metal, plastic, rubber, or some other material or combination ofmaterials. The nodules 36 can be rigid, semi-rigid, or resilient. Thecam nodules 36 could, for example, take the form of any wheel or diskwith a radially extending protrusion, or any wheel that rotates about anaxis other than its radial center, or any rotating element that is notcircular, such as an ellipse

The support axles 38, and thus the nodules 36, are moved, such as torotate, slide, extend, retract, or undergo some other movement orcombination of movements, by a motor 44 with appropriate gearing ifnecessary. Within the scope of the invention, nodules 36 could be causedonly to extend and retract or to oscillate thereby to cause the nodules36 to be periodically pushed upwardly or outwardly, potentially at anangle. Such movement could advantageously minimize or entirely preventperformance issues, such as malfunctions deriving from a user's gripstopping operation of the motor 44.

In any event, the motor 44 is powered by one or more batteries 30 oranother source of power that is in powered association with the motor44, such as through wiring. Within the scope of the invention, thebatteries 30 could be recharged, such as by use of a battery chargingport 64 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, by wireless recharging, or by anyother means for recharging the battery or batteries 30. Other sources ofpower for the writing utensil 10 are possible, including, for example,manual winding of a coiled spring (not shown) or some other manualenergy input. In any event, operation of the motor 44 and thus theactive nerve stimulation provided by the nodules 36 can be controlled bya control means 46, such as a switch 46, and electronic circuitry asshown in FIG. 5.

The cam nodules 36 or other means for producing nerve stimulation can beactuated in a pattern, such as by being actuated in series,simultaneously, or in some other pattern. In one contemplated embodimentemploying mechanical movement, for instance, the cam nodules 36 canundergo one revolution every approximately three seconds, which isbelieved to be preferable to avoid what is referred to as nerveaccommodation. With this, where one nodule 36 is disposed relative toeach of three stimulation surfaces 34, each of the three nodules 36 willbe produce nerve stimulation relative to its stimulation surface 34 onceover each three-second period.

The stimulation provided to the tips of the fingers 102, 104, and 106can be selectively or automatically modulated. For example, the camnodules 36 have a non-round profile such that the stimulation providedto the tips of the fingers 102, 104, and 106 varies during a givenrotation of the cam nodules 36. Alternatively or additionally, the speedand possibly the direction of rotation or other movement of the camnodules 36 can be automatically or selectively modulated, such as by aswitch or dial 46, by electronic circuitry, or by gearing. The camnodules 36 or other active nerve stimulation means can operatesimultaneously, consecutively, alternately, or in some other pattern orcombination of patterns.

With particular reference to FIG. 6, one can see that the cam nodules 36can project through corresponding apertures 42 centrally located in thestimulation surfaces 34. The cam nodules 36 will preferably be disposedwith each nodule 36 having a maximum projection through the respectiveaperture 42 sufficient to produce perceptible nerve stimulation, such aswith a light brushing, but not so much as to permit rotation of the camnodules 36 to be stopped by typical finger pressure. The cam nodules 36can potentially be resiliently compressible or retained with someresiliency to further prevent unintentional ceasing of the system by auser.

Potentially, a single resilient and flexible sheet 40 or a flexiblesheet 40 for each stimulation surface 34 can overly the cam nodules 36and, potentially, most or all of each of the stimulation surfaces 34.With that, the stimulating movement and pressure of the cam nodules 36on the tips of the fingers 102, 104, and 106 is exacted through theflexible sheets 40. With this, the pointer finger 102, the middle finger104, the thumb 106, and any other finger applied to a stimulationsurface 34 can be actively stimulated by the writing utensil 10 withactive nerve stimulation.

The cam nodules 36 can rotate about lateral but radially spaced axes inrelation to the longitudinal axis of the overall writing utensil 10. Therotational or other movement directions of the cam nodules 36 can be thesame or different. For example, the cam nodule 36 designed for engagingthe pointer finger 102 can rotate toward the distal tip 16 of thewriting utensil 10 such that the pointer finger 102 will experiencenerve stimulation directed toward the distal end of the finger 102. Thecam nodules 36 designed to engage the middle finger 104 and the thumb106 can rotate toward the proximal end of the writing utensil 10 suchthat the middle finger 104 and the thumb 106 will experience nervestimulation directed proximally. Again, one skilled in the art will findobvious other electromechanical devices capable of creating these orsimilar movements, and each such mechanism is within the scope of theinvention except as it might expressly be limited. Embodiments can beuniversal for left and right handed users or particularized based onhand dexterity.

Under such constructions, when the active stimulation portion 14 is inan active state, a person holding the writing utensil 10 correctly willhave acupressure stimulation applied to the tips of the fingers 102,104, and 106 by the movement of the nodules 36 or other active nervestimulation. The active stimulation may be unnoticed or marginallynoticed by the user, but he or she will feel instant focus and improvedenergy flow under the theory of operation of the writing utensil 10.This enhanced and precise stimulation will not only tend to train thebrain but it will also encourage the correct flow of energy in the handand body. This encouraged flow will prevent muscular armoring and trainthe brain and body.

An alternative embodiment of the writing utensil with active nervestimulation 10 is depicted in FIGS. 7 through 10. There, the writingutensil 10 again has a body portion formed by a central tubular bodymember 12, a proximal tubular body member 20, and a distally disposedactive nerve stimulation portion 14 that has an active state where nervestimulation is exhibited and an inactive state where it is not. Thecentral tubular body member 12 is coupled to the proximal tubular bodymember 20 with an O-ring 28 interposed therebetween, and the centraltubular body member 12 is coupled to the active nerve stimulationportion 14 with an O-ring 26 interposed therebetween.

A replaceable eraser 22 is retained at the proximal end of the tubularbody member 20 with a pocket clip 24 retained by having a ring portionthereof interposed between the replaceable eraser 22 and the tubularbody member 20. A conical tip portion 16, which could be magnetized toprovide further physiological benefit and impact, is retained at thedistal end of the active nerve stimulating portion 14 by a mutualthreaded engagement between a coupling member 32 and the nervestimulating portion 14 to the proximal end thereof and the tip portion16 to the distal end thereof. Finally, a marking tip, such as a pencillead 18, can be retained to extend and retract relative to the tipportion 16 and the writing utensil 10 in general.

The active stimulation portion 14 is again disposed to be engaged by thetips of the user's pointer finger 102, middle finger 104, and thumb 106in a proper utensil grip. The active stimulation portion 14 has first,second, and third evenly spaced stimulation surfaces 34, each presentingan ergonomic surface with a concave or anticlastic curvature foraffirmatively receiving and engaging the user's fingers 102, 104, and106.

As seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the means for producing nerve stimulationagain comprises a means for producing active nerve stimulation throughmechanical movement relative to each of the stimulation surfaces 34 toproduce active nerve stimulation through acupressure on the tips of eachof the gripping fingers 102, 104, and 106. Stimulation of the tips ofthe user's fingers 102, 104, and 106 is achieved by a mechanicalmovement mechanism that travels across each of the three stimulationsurfaces 34. More particularly, there is a stimulation member 50 that isretained to rotate with an inner sleeve 52 that is itself rotated by amotor 44 through a gearing arrangement 48. The stimulation member 50,which comprises a base pad with at least one protuberance thereon, isrotatably coupled to the inner sleeve 52 to pivot about an axle 58 thatis retained by the inner sleeve 52 with an axis that is substantiallyperpendicular to a tangent of the inner sleeve 52. A guide sleeve 54slidably receives the inner sleeve 52, and guide channels 56 of varyingpaths are disposed to encircle the guide sleeve 54. The stimulationmember 50 has first and second followers 60 that are received into theguide channels 56. A flexible sheet (not shown) could again overlie thestimulation portion 14.

Under this arrangement, rotation of the inner sleeve 52 will cause thestimulation member 50 to travel circumferentially in relation to theguide sleeve 54 and the writing utensil 10 in general. The travel of thefollowers 60 along the guide channels 56 will cause the stimulationmember 50 to pivot as it travels around the guide sleeve. With this,active nerve stimulation can be provided to the tips of the user'sfingers 102, 105, and 106 when the active stimulation portion 14 is inan active state.

An alternative embodiment of the writing utensil with active nervestimulation 10 is depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12. There, the writingutensil 10 again has a body portion formed by a central tubular bodymember 12, a proximal tubular body member 20, and a distally disposedactive nerve stimulation portion 14. The central tubular body member 12is coupled to the proximal tubular body member 20, and the centraltubular body member 12 is coupled to the active nerve stimulationportion 14.

Again, the tubular members 12 and 20 can pursue a contouredconfiguration, and no limitation as to the shape or construction of themembers 12 and 20 should be interpreted or applied by the use of theterm tubular except as the claims might expressly require. The tubularbody members 12 and 20, the O-rings 26 and 28, and the active nervestimulating portion 14 can be coupled in any effective way, such as bythreaded engagement, by snap-fit engagement, by adhesive, by sonicwelding, by unitary formation, or any other method or combinationthereof.

The body members 12 and 20 and the active stimulation portion 14 couldbe formed from any suitable material or materials. In one contemplatedembodiment, the body members 12 and 20 and the active stimulationportion 14 are founded on members of substantially rigid, electricallynon-conductive material, such as plastic. It will be understood thatother and additional materials for the members 12 and 20 and the activestimulation portion 14 are possible and within the scope of theinvention.

A replaceable eraser 22 is retained at the proximal end of the tubularbody member 20 with a pocket clip 24 retained by having a ring portionthereof interposed between the replaceable eraser 22 and the tubularbody member 20. A conical tip portion 16, which could be magnetized toprovide further physiological benefit and impact, is retained at thedistal end of the active nerve stimulating portion 14 by a mutualthreaded engagement between a coupling member 32 and the nervestimulating portion 14 to the proximal end thereof and the tip portion16 to the distal end thereof. Finally, a writing tip 18, in this case anink-pen tip 18, can be retained relative to the tip portion 16 and thewriting utensil 10 in general.

The active stimulation portion 14 is again disposed to be engaged by thetips of the user's pointer finger, middle finger, and thumb (not shownin FIGS. 11 and 12) in a proper writing utensil grip. The activestimulation portion 14 has first, second, and third evenly spacedstimulation surfaces 34, each presenting an ergonomic surface with aconcave or anticlastic curvature for affirmatively receiving andengaging the user's fingers. The portion of the active stimulationportion 14 local to the stimulation surfaces 34 pursues an approximatelytriangular cross-section with the three sides of the triangularcross-section evenly spaced around the active stimulation portion 14.

In the present embodiment, however, the active stimulation portion 14,which again has an active state where nerve stimulation is provided andan inactive state where it is not, has an electrical pulse mechanism forproviding an electrical pulse to a finger disposed in contact therewith.As a result, nerve stimulation can be provided by electrical impulsewhen the active stimulation portion 14 is in an active state. Whileelectrical impulse could be exhibited by the stimulation portion 14 ingeneral, the present embodiment has each of the stimulation surfaces 34provided with an electrical pulse mechanism to provide an electricalpulse to a finger disposed in contact therewith. With that, nervestimulation can be provided by individual, sequential, or simultaneouselectrical impulse relative to the stimulation surfaces 34. Theelectrical pulses could comprise, for example, high voltage but safeelectrical pulses, emitted from each of the stimulation surfaces 34 orthe stimulation portion 14 in general to produce nerve stimulation byelectrical impulse. The writing utensil with active nerve stimulation 10of FIGS. 11 and 12 thus comprises a self-contained electric nervestimulation system.

The electronics of the writing utensil 10 can be schematically carriedout as shown, for example, in FIG. 13. Of course, after reading thisdisclosure, one skilled in the art may find a number of alternativeelectronic configurations for electrically stimulating the tips of thefingers to be possible, and all such configurations are within the scopeof the invention except as it might be expressly limited.

In this exemplary embodiment, for each stimulation surface 34, thewriting utensil 10 has at least one electrode 60 and/or 62 for passingelectricity from the writing utensil 10 to the fingers of the userthereby to stimulate the median nerve in the tips of the fingers. Incertain manifestations of the utensil 10 the electrodes 60 and/or 62 foreach surface 34 can cooperate electrically with the electrodes 60 and/or62 of another surface 34 to complete an electrical circuit when a user'sfinger or fingers are in contact therewith. For instance, one or morepositive electrodes 60 and/or 62 can be disposed on a first surface 34and one or more negative electrodes 60 and/or 62 can be disposed on asecond surface 34 such that simultaneous contact with the first andsecond surfaces by a user's finger or fingers will induce or permit theflow of electric current from a battery or batteries 30 and between theelectrodes 60 and 62 and the user's finger or fingers. A user could thusengage his or her thumb with the first surface 34 and another fingerwith one of the other surfaces 34 to permit or induce electricalstimulation of the finger tips as taught herein.

Other electrode or electrical stimulation permutations are possible. Forexample, again with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, electrodes 60 and 62can be disposed on each surface 34 with the electrodes 60 and 62comprising spaced negative and positive electrodes 60 and 62 for passingelectricity from the writing utensil 10 to the respective finger of theuser thereby to stimulate the median nerve in the tips of the fingers.Positive and negative electrodes 60 and 62 can be spaced on eachstimulation surface 34 close enough to permit simultaneous contact witha given finger while preventing unintentional electrical interaction.When actuated, current from the battery or batteries 30 can flow fromthe negative electrode 60 to the positive electrode 62 and to a fingerin contact therewith. In one example of the invention, the electrodes 60and 62 are spaced approximately 3/16 inches apart.

Potentially, as FIG. 12 shows, a single resilient and flexible sheet 40or a flexible sheet 40 for each stimulation surface 34 could overly theelectrodes 60 and 62 and, potentially, most or all of each of thestimulation surfaces 34 of the active stimulation portion 14 andpotentially other components of the utensil 10. The sheet or sheets 40can be transparent, translucent, or opaque. The sheet or sheets 40 canbe render the stimulation surface or surfaces 34 water resistant orwatertight. The sheet or sheets 40 can be electrically transmissive, orapertures could be disposed therein in correspondence to the electrodes60 and 62. With that, the electrical stimulation on the tips of thefingers 102, 104, and 106 can be exacted through the flexible sheets 40or through the apertures in the sheets 40, and the pointer finger 102,the middle finger 104, the thumb 106, and any other finger applied to astimulation surface 34 can be actively stimulated by the writing utensil10 with active nerve stimulation.

With additional reference to FIG. 13, under certain practices of theinvention, the writing utensil 10 can be programmed or otherwiseconfigured such that current flows imparted to the user's thumb andmiddle finger are different from the current flow imparted to thepointer finger. The current flows imparted to two different surfaces 34,such as the first and second surfaces 34, could, for instance, differ instrength, duration, frequency, or otherwise. The electrical impulsesimparted via one or more of the surfaces 34 could, by way of example,have an electrical repetition rate of approximately 70 pulses per secondand a pulse width of 80 microseconds while the electrical impulsesimparted via one or more of the other surfaces 34 could, for example,have an electrical repetition rate of 35 pulses per second, perhaps withthe same or a different pulse width. Of course, these are non-limiting,illustrative examples.

The battery 30, which could by way of example and not limitation be athree-volt battery, can be rechargeable in any effective manner,including wirelessly, such as through a wireless charging mat, or bywire to a source of current, such as through an electrical jack orhousing. The source of current could, by way of example, comprise anelectrical jack or housing for receiving low voltage current from anelectrical plug wired to an external transformer (not shown) forreceiving electrical power from a source of AC current. As shown in FIG.13, power from the battery can be circuited to drive a high-voltageconverter and a duty cycle oscillator. The major power-directing andoperational electronics for the invention are also illustrated in FIG.13.

With continued reference to FIG. 13, the high voltage converter can takethe form of a high-frequency oscillator, such as an oscillator ofapproximately 100 kilohertz, driving a step-up voltage transformer. Thestep-up transformer can provide a 40-volt pulsed voltage source that canbe rectified and filtered to provide a 40-volt DC supply. Ascontemplated, the duty cycle oscillator is an a stable oscillator havingpreset programming to render an off-time of 14.4 milliseconds and anon-time of 80 microseconds, which can be sent simultaneously, in series,or in some pattern to each stimulating surface 34. The duty cycleoscillator drives a current source driver that converts a low voltageoutput signal for the duty cycle oscillator into a high voltage signalto drive three high-voltage current sources. The current sources areconfigured to provide a variable amplitude current pulse into a 500-ohmAAMI or resistive load. As contemplated, the substantial part of thedischarge of the batteries occurs at 2.4 volts giving a maximum currentpulse amplitude of about 50 milliamperes.

As shown in FIG. 13, there can be a normally open output circuit betweenpositive and negative electrodes 60 and 62, whether the positive andnegative electrodes 60 and 62 are on the same or different stimulationsurfaces 34. The normally open output circuits receive the high voltageoutput of the operational electronics held in the housing of the writingutensil 10. Variable current pulse amplitude control is provided by avariable resistor in the current flow through the normally open outputcircuit when closed, such as by contact with a user's finger or fingers.The stimulation provided to the tips of the fingers can be selectivelyor automatically modulated. The active nerve stimulation provided by theelectrodes 60 and 62 can operate with respect to the stimulationsurfaces 34 simultaneously, consecutively, alternately, or in some otherpattern or combination of patterns.

As shown in FIG. 11, a control mechanism 46 is located on the bodymember 20 of the utensil 10. Here, the control mechanism 46 comprises acontrol knob 46. The control knob 46 serves as an on/off switch tocontrol current flow between the battery or batteries and theoperational electronics held in the body members 12, 24, and 20. Assuch, the control knob 46 allows manual setting of operationalcharacteristics of the writing utensil 10, including manipulationbetween an active state where active nerve stimulation by electricalimpulse is exhibited and an inactive state where active nervestimulation is not exhibited. The control knob 46 can additionally beenabled to adjust, among other things, the pulse frequency, currentpulse amplitude, or other electrical characteristics of the electricalpulses. Though the circuitry is capable of providing 0-70 milliamperesat full battery charge, current limiting is provided to keep the maximumcurrent pulse amplitude at a 50-milliampere level consistent with normalbattery operating conditions.

One skilled in the art will find obvious other electrical systemscapable of creating these or similar electrical stimulations. Each suchsystem is within the scope of the invention except as it might expresslybe limited by the claims. Embodiments of the writing utensil 10 can beuniversal for left and right handed users or particularized based onhand dexterity.

Under such constructions, when the active stimulation portion 14 is inan active state, such as by switching, by contact with a user's fingeror fingers, or otherwise, a person holding the writing utensil 10correctly will have electrical stimulation applied to the tips of thecontacting fingers by operation of the electrodes 60 and 62 or otheractive nerve stimulation. The active stimulation may be unnoticed ormarginally noticed by the user, but he or she will feel instant focusand improved energy flow under the theory of operation of the writingutensil 10. This enhanced and precise stimulation will not only tend totrain the brain but it will also encourage the correct flow of energy inthe hand and body. This encouraged flow will prevent muscular armoringand train the brain and body.

With certain details of the present invention for a writing utensil 10disclosed, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that changesand additions could be made thereto without deviating from the spirit orscope of the invention. This is particularly true when one bears in mindthat the presently preferred embodiments merely exemplify the broaderinvention revealed herein. Accordingly, it will be clear that those withcertain major features of the invention in mind could craft embodimentsthat incorporate those major features while not incorporating all of thefeatures included in the preferred embodiments.

Therefore, the following claims are intended to define the scope ofprotection to be afforded to the inventor. Those claims shall be deemedto include equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart fromthe spirit and scope of the invention. It must be further noted that aplurality of the following claims may express certain elements as meansfor performing a specific function, at times without the recital ofstructure or material. As the law demands, these claims shall beconstrued to cover not only the corresponding structure and materialexpressly described in this specification but also all equivalentsthereof that might be now known or hereafter discovered.

I claim as deserving the protection of Letters Patent:
 1. A writing utensil with active nerve stimulation for providing active nerve stimulation to the fingertips of a user, the writing utensil comprising: a body portion with a proximal end and a distal end; a tip portion coupled to the distal end of the body portion wherein the tip portion is adapted to retain a marking tip; and an active stimulator disposed adjacent to the distal end of the body portion to be engaged by the fingertips of the user wherein the active stimulator has an active state wherein active nerve stimulation is provided to fingertips of the user in contact with the active stimulation surface; wherein the active stimulator has first, second, and third different active stimulation surfaces, each stimulation surface for engaging a fingertip of the user, wherein the first, second, and third active stimulation surfaces generally form a triangle in lateral cross section with the first, second, and third active stimulation surfaces spaced around a peripheral surface of the body portion adjacent to the distal end of the body portion; wherein the active stimulator comprises an electrical pulse system with an electrical circuit with an active state wherein electrical pulses are imparted to a finger adapted to be disposed in contact with at least one of the active stimulation surfaces; wherein the active stimulator is operable to actuate the electrical pulse system to produce electrical pulses in relation to each of the first, second, and third active stimulation surfaces in a sequential pattern; and wherein the electrical pulse system comprises a positive and negative electrode pair disposed in spaced relation on the active stimulation surfaces wherein the electrical circuit can be induced to a closed condition when a user simultaneously contacts the positive and negative electrode pair to connect the positive and negative electrode pair electrically and an open condition when the positive and negative electrode pair are not connected electrically.
 2. The writing utensil with active nerve stimulation of claim 1 wherein each active stimulation surface has a concave curvature for receiving and engaging a fingertip of the user.
 3. The writing utensil with active nerve stimulation of claim 1 wherein each active stimulation surface has an anticlastic curvature for receiving and engaging a fingertip of the user.
 4. The writing utensil with active nerve stimulation of claim 1 wherein the active stimulator further comprises a power source for the electrical pulse system.
 5. The writing utensil with active nerve stimulation of claim 1 wherein the positive and negative electrode pair comprises a positive electrode disposed on the first active stimulation surface and a negative electrode disposed on the second active stimulation surface.
 6. The writing utensil with active nerve stimulation of claim 1 further comprising a water resistant sheet overlying the positive and negative electrode pair for being interposed between the fingertip of the user and the positive and negative electrode pair.
 7. The writing utensil with active nerve stimulation of claim 1 wherein the active state is triggered automatically by contact of one or more fingers of the user with the at least one of the active stimulation surfaces.
 8. The writing utensil with active nerve stimulation of claim 1 wherein the active stimulator has an active state wherein electrical pulses are imparted to fingers adapted to be disposed in contact with at least the first and second active stimulation surfaces.
 9. The writing utensil with active nerve stimulation of claim 8 wherein the electrical pulses imparted to fingers adapted to be disposed in contact with at least the first and second active stimulation surfaces are different.
 10. The writing utensil with active nerve stimulation of claim 9 wherein the electrical pulses imparted to fingers adapted to be disposed in contact with at least the first and second active stimulation surfaces differ in frequency.
 11. The writing utensil with active nerve stimulation of claim 1 further comprising a control mechanism for controlling one or more electrical characteristics of the electrical pulses. 